Going Mobile!

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Written by Alan Coughlin

Is your web site usable on a mobile device? The statistics on the increase in mobile usage versus desktop usage are staggering! One prediction is that "in 2014 mobile internet should take over desktop internet usage." Whichever way one analyzes the mobile usage numbers, common sense tells us the percentage of mobile usage is significant and growing.

The Present Body before (left) and after (right) converting to a mobile-ready web site.

As important as it is to ask "How many use mobile devices?", it may be more important to ask "Is the type of activity that will lead people to do business with you happening on a mobile device?" It may be that the demographic that has an interest in your product or service uses mobile devices more than the general population. And it may be that your prospective clients are more likely to explore, research, or follow shared links while on their mobile devices. The predominant mobile phone operator in Japan found that 60% of all smartphone data was used indoors, often while the user is watching TV or surfing on a more traditional computer. Analyzing internet usage habits can get complex pretty quickly. But let's not miss the forest through the trees! In my opinion, it is a no-brainer. Just as people quit asking, a long time ago whether their business needed to be on the web in general, it is clear from the numbers and their trajectory that our web sites need to be usable on the mobile web now!

The Present Body's pricing matrix went from virtually unusable on a mobile device (left) to simple and elegant (right). You can't get much more practical than making it easy for people to buy from you!

If your existing web site is not-so-usable on mobile devices, small devices like phones and tablets, there are a couple of ways you can go: rebuild your existing site, or start from scratch. It depends on whether you were ready for a change anyway. It may cost almost as much to rebuild your site so that it works on all devices as it would to build a new site from scratch. If you are happy with your existing web site, we can rebuild it and you'll save because we can skip the design and planning phases. If you want to make any significant changes while we're at it, we'll just start the process from design on up so you get the most for your money. If you want to have blogging capabilities on your new site, you're in luck!

The Present Body's old navigation was not usable on a small device (left) without zooming; the new one is very simple to use (right).

These days, blogging systems, like WordPress and Joomla! (known as content management systems), come with responsive frameworks built right in. So whether you want us to build you a blogging site from scratch, customize an existing template, or just set one up for you, costs will be reasonable.

"People want twice as much for half the price!" But who can blame them! Fortunately there have been so many advances in web technology that people get a big bang for their buck. But that's across the board—any web development business that has kept up with the many advances will give you that advantage over history. But what's our advantage over our competitors? We don't do it by skimping, cutting corners, or front-loading the bargains just to take your money later. We take the exact opposite approach:

Look at our work! We are relentless at making sure your site communicates and stays geared toward your business goals. Our designers are top-notch to make your design soar. And we've got the tech down flat—if it can be done, we'll do it and do it right.

Of Interest on the Web

Your social analytics can give you an indication of when your audience is engaging with your content, and there are tons of blog posts out there offering you sound advice on when you should post your content on social media. But it’s not enough to just know when your visitors are online, but when they’re engaging online (i.e. clicking, sharing, emailing, and even printing).